On the 21st of Sept, the Tokyo Crusaders turned out for their second Shuto game of the season against Kichijoji WildTurkeys RFC. Having won the league the previous year, expectations were high and the team arrived early to get in some much-needed preparation before the game. God – as a rugby fan – had decided to clear the skies so that he could get a good view of the match; a welcome break from the rains we had experienced the day before. The stage was set for a fast and expansive game of rugby and fortunately the crowds had turned out, with many wives, girlfriends, boyfriends (I think Sean Gibson must fall into this category now) and children volunteering as water carriers, linesman and cheerleaders.

Play kicked off at 15:10 and, unlike as normal, the Cru made a lethargic start as we struggled to get into the game. Within the first half hour, the team was down by two tries to nil. It became apparent that the opposition were a little stronger than their recent promotion from a lower league had suggested, as they were well drilled, hard-hitting and able to capitalise on our mistakes. The forwards took the game to the opposition and frequent smash-balls by our big pack – in particular from Pat Wheen, Paul Skerr and Jason Gall – eventually wore down the opposition’s dogged defence and the Cru was able to claw one back before the break. It’s worth pointing out that a night in a hospital after the birth of his first son was not enough to keep the big man, Paul Skurr, away.

After the break, things started to improve and we managed to take the lead after two unanswered tries, both coming off the back of dynamic forward play. The last of these was Pat’s second of the game as he stormed through the opposition defence and then demonstrated pace, sprinting 30m to the tryline before being caught by the defence, and also his support. Unfortunately, this was as good as it got and the opposition upped a gear, scoring four more tries and a penalty to finish the game deserved winners at a slightly embarrassing 39-19.

The game saw some powerful play from our forwards and strong performance from the back-row, and fly half, Travis Dixon, who showed what he can do if not drunk or incredibly hung-over, and who also ended up getting the Opposition’s vote for man-of-the-match. Big performances from Pat Wheen (the players’ choice for man of the match) and Paul Skurr gave us hope for the rest of the season. But the game was characterised by far too many errors, with knock-ons and missed tackles occurring all too easily. Nothing can be taken away from the opposition, though, whom we hugely underestimated, but it is clear that we will have some work to do if we are to hold on to the Shuto trophy this year.

5 points

Pat Wheen

4 points

Travis Dixon

3 points

Paul Skurr

2 points

Rob Galbraith

1 point

Jason Gall

The Team

Position

1st Half

2nd Half

Prop

Pat Wheen

Pat Wheen

Hooker

Gen Hirano

Yusei Shimoda/Ryuji Matsuzawa

Prop

Marc Sherratt

Ryjui Matsuzawa/Adam Birss

Lock

Paul Skurr

Paul Skurr

Lock

Jason Gall

Jason Gall

Flanker

Seth Robson

Rei Morimitsu

Flanker

Yuuki Adachi

Steve Howden/Seth Robson/Koichi Takagaki

No. 8

Rob Galbraith

Rob Galbraith

Halfback

Evan Hitchman

Evan Hitchman

Firstfive

Travis Dixon

Travis Dixon

Secondfive

Matt Sparrow

Matt Sparrow

Centre

Gavin Smith

Gavin Smith/Seth Robson/Steve Howden

Wing

Pierre Sims

Clive Callaway

Wing

Koki Yamana

Phillipe Buzon

Fullback

Roy Yorke

Roy Yorke/Seth Robson

Stewart Henwood was the Sideline Manager.
There was no Safety Assisstant today.
All players took the field.Sean Gibson (injured) came out to support along with Seth’s Mum again, and a few of the wags.

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RECENT RESULTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Feb. 17th – Friendly Match
vs Tentoumushi

Feb. 22nd – Crusaders Ski Trip
at Snowy Slopes of Dreams

Mar. 31st – Friendly Match
vs TBD

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TOKYO CRUSADERS

Established in 1990, the Tokyo Crusaders are a friendly but keen international rugby club. Devoted both to the game and its social side, the 'Cru' welcome new players of all sizes and abilities. The Tokyo Crusaders accept players from all over Kanto, Japan. We are the 2016 Shuto League champions, and in the 1st Division of the Tokyo Cup!